Our students bring incredibly diverse work and life experiences to our community. What distinguishes those who truly thrive? Extraordinary resilience—the ability to persist, adapt, and grow through every challenge.
The Merrick School of Business at the University of Baltimore honored its most accomplished students at the Academic Achievement and Honors Celebration on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The ceremony recognized undergraduate students who have shown exceptional academic performance, leadership, and dedication to their fields of study.
Gamar Hayles, a spring 2026 graduate earning a B.S. in Information Systems and Technology, was honored with the Dean's Award—the Merrick School of Business's most distinguished undergraduate recognition. This prestigious honor celebrates the student who best exemplifies outstanding academic achievement, transformative leadership, and dedicated service to our community.
Throughout his time time at The University of Baltimore, Hayles has been a force for positive change and student empowerment. As president of the Black Student Union, he led the revitalization of the organization after a period of inactivity, rebuilding membership, reestablishing campus presence, and creating meaningful programming focused on academic success, community engagement, and professional development. Hayles also served as Vice President of the Student Events Board, collaborating with administrators and student leaders to plan inclusive, large-scale events that strengthened campus connection and belonging.
Beyond formal leadership titles, he has been a peer mentor, campus advocate, and champion for students balancing work and academics—consistently showing up with integrity, patience, and genuine care.
Hayles' commitment to service extends far beyond campus. As a Data Science Fellow with the Jacob France Institute and the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance, he contributed to equity-focused projects that informed neighborhood development and community decision-making across Baltimore. Whether analyzing data for social impact, supporting students through leadership, or helping individuals navigate complex financial situations in their professional role within financial services, Gamar embodies what it means to serve with purpose.
Academically, Hayles excelled as a Helen P. Denit Honors Program participant, Featherstone Scholar, and Global Field Study student, maintaining a high GPA while balancing full-time employment and significant leadership responsibilities—a true testament to dedication and resilience.
With interests spanning business, law, and technology, he is poised to pursue law school and a career in legal and business strategy. We have no doubt that the interdisciplinary excellence, leadership skills, and community-centered values cultivated at Merrick will continue to guide him toward extraordinary impact.
Congratulations, Gamar—this honor is deeply deserved, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate you!
Faculty members from each department selected outstanding students who demonstrated exceptional academic strengths in their respective disciplines. This year's Academic Merit Award recipients include:
The ceremony also celebrated N'kobe Turner, B.S. '26, and Chiamaka Jeremiah, B.S. '26, who completed the rigorous requirements for The University of Baltimore's Ratcliffe Entrepreneurship Program. Thanks to the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, these student entrepreneurs received full scholarships and stipends, allowing them to focus on building their businesses while earning their degrees.
The Merrick School of Business congratulates all honorees for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the university community.
